Closing the Literacy Gap: Phonics Interventions in Secondary Schools

Reading is the foundation of learning and success in school. Yet, many pupils enter secondary education without the skills they need. In 2024, 26% of Year 6 pupils in England did not meet the expected standard in reading, meaning over 170,000 children started secondary school unable to access the curriculum fully. Research shows that one third of pupils are…

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North Tyneside Holocaust Memorial Day event

What is Holocaust Memorial Day?  Holocaust Memorial Day is an international day on 27 January – which marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the millions of Jewish men, women and children who were murdered under Nazi persecution and all those that have died in other genocides since then. Holocaust…

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Eyes on the Horizon – Headteacher conference 2026

Friday 6th March will see the return of our Education North Tyneside Headteacher conference. An exciting day for Headteachers, deputy headteachers, assistant headteachers and colleagues who aspire to these roles. This year’s theme is called ‘Eyes on the Horizon’, as we look ahead to the future of Education.   “Schools and trusts stand at a…

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The National Year of Reading 2026

The National Year of Reading: why it matters and how schools can get involved In 2026, schools across the UK will be invited to take part in the National Year of Reading. This is part of a coordinated effort, led by the National Literacy Trust, to reignite reading for pleasure, strengthen literacy outcomes, and reconnect…

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Guru Gobind Singh Ji-The Tenth Sikh Guru and His Timeless Legacy

As one of the world’s principle religions, Sikhism can be covered throughout Key Stages 1, 2 or 3. in this article, we take a look at one of the religion’s most important figures, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708) stands as one of the most influential spiritual leaders in Sikh history. His…

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The joys of joint working; sharing specialisms to meet need in schools

Over the course of the autumn term, Education North Tyneside’s Language and Communication Specialist Teaching Team and the Educational Psychology Service have had the privilege of working together. They jointly devised and delivered a targeted programme of training aimed at strengthening both teacher and support staff knowledge and confidence in planning and adapting approaches within their individual settings to…

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Hanukkah: Finding Light, Joy, and Connection in the Festival of Lights

As winter settles in and the nights grow long, Hanukkah arrives like a gentle glow, eight days of warmth, celebration, and a reminder that even the smallest spark can brighten the darkest season. Whether you grew up celebrating or are discovering the holiday for the first time, Hanukkah offers something beautifully universal: a story of…

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Busting Myths About EAL Learners: What You Really Need to Know

Every classroom has learners learning English as an Additional Language (EAL). Teachers and classmates want to help, but sometimes myths and assumptions get in the way. Let’s clear the air and look at what’s true.    Myth 1: “If they struggle with English, they’re not smart.”  Wrong. EAL learners can be incredibly bright. They just…

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White Ribbon Day 2025 – “We Speak Up”

On Tuesday 25th November 2025, North Tyneside proudly joins the global movement for White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action against gender-based violence.    Why It Matters  71% of women in the UK have faced sexual harassment in public spaces.  Ofsted’s 2021 review found 79% of girls and 38% of boys believe sexual…

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A focus on fluency

Three shelves full of books to promote reading fluency.

What is Reading Fluency? There is often a misconception amongst pupils (and sometimes adults) that being a fluent reader means being a fast reader. Fluency involves the ability to read smoothly, accurately, and with expression. This will mean that the reader takes note of punctuation, phrases and clauses, along with how text is presented, to…

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